Upgrades are planned this spring on the Amtrak rail line that runs through Springfield. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Union Pacific Railroad are making the upgrades in advance of high speed trains. Construction is planned from April 16 to May 25. Improvements will include installing new rail, upgrading bridges, culverts and drainage and installing new signals. Road crossings also will be renovated.The first phase of work this year will start south of Springfield. It will affect Amtrak trains, many days requiring chartered motor coaches for Amtrak Lincoln Service passengers at St. Louis, Alton and Carlinville. Higher speed trains are to be previewed in September from further north… from Dwight to Pontiac.